Lectures on Musa (Moses)

And so they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and to whom We had taught Knowledge from Our Presence. (Surah Kahf, 18:65)

Beyond the many lessons of the Qur’anic account of Musa and al-Khidr in Surah al-Kahf, a Surah we are encouraged to read every Friday, its message about companionship speaks to both its external and internal benefits. While technology has immense benefits in providing us access to bland facts and information, this disconnected learning cannot replace the flowering of true, meaningful knowledge that can only occur through inter-personal relationships. The blessings and spiritual lessons of sitting with mentors and good company cannot be underestimated. How do we unplug and humble ourselves in a practical way that allows us to plug into the spiritual energy of righteous company and teachers?

After escaping the clutches of Pharaoh, Prophet Musa (PBUH) and his people found themselves in the middle of the desert with no food, shelter, or hope for survival. It was at this point that Allah chose to remind them about gratitude.

What we learn from this passage from Surah Ibrahim is that, when we are faced with insurmountable challenges and odds, we must recognize that it is only with Allah’s help that we can be successful. If we are able to rise to this higher level of faith and only think of reasons why we should be grateful to Allah, especially at a time when our mind is being invaded by worries and negativity, then Allah has definitely promised that He will increase every possible avenue for good around us.

With this divine guidance and formula from the Quran, may we all find solace during our difficulties, peace during turmoil, and success during hardships. Ameen.

There are many lessons to learn from the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and his confrontation with Pharaoh as recounted in Surah Taha. When Allah charged Musa to face Pharaoh and free the Israelites, says Nouman Ali Khan, Pharaoh had already launched a propaganda campaign against him. His counter message was that Musa and his brother Harun were magicians who wanted to drive you out of your land and that you must defend our way of life because it is the best and doesn’t need any improvement. In short he sold the people an artificial patriotism that only benefitted him and his small clique. Yet despite the odds and despite his fear, Musa confronts Pharaoh and overcomes him. This is a reminder that propaganda has always existed and that politicians instilling fear of an imaginary enemy is nothing new. The Quran has taught us about that so we would be mentally prepared. Don’t feel intimidated and know that this is a test of your eman.

The Qur’an has remarkable beauty from countless perspectives but one that has always really captured my curiosity is the incredible style of divine story telling. Many books are written about the stories of the prophets (may Allah’s peace be upon them all). Such books tell the accounts of these great men based on authentic sources. Excerpts from various Surahs, Ahadeeth and narrations come together to paint a thorough chronological picture. Is there more to these stories than the chronology of events? Allah the Most High chose to tell parts of Ibrahim’s (AS) account in one Surah, and some parts in another. Why did He do that? Is there something about the way Allah Himself tells the story that we are missing out on?

In this lecture by Imam Safi Khan, discover the concept of yaqeen, of confidence in Allah, and how to imbibe its features to help you stay away from depression and to move forward in life. This lecture covers examples from the lives of Abu Bakr, Khalid ibn Waleed, and the mother of Musa.

Musa, known as Moses in the Old Testament, is a prophet, messenger, lawgiver and leader in Islam. In Islamic tradition instead of introducing a new religion, Moses is regarded by Muslims as teaching and practicing the religion of his predecessors and confirming the scriptures and prophets before him. The Quran states that Moses was sent by Allah (one God) to the Pharaoh of Egypt and the Israelites for guidance and warning. Moses is mentioned more in the Quran than any other individual, and his life is narrated and recounted more than that of any other prophet. According to Islam, all Muslims must have faith in every prophet which includes Moses and his brother Aaron (Harun). Nouman Ali Khan introduces us to Prophet Moses in this brief talk.

In this khutba the Sheikh illustrates the high Islamic principle of adab (loosely translated as ‘manners’) with examples drawn from the rich tapestry of prophetic stories woven into the Qur’an. We learn how Ayyub (Job) is exiled from his loved ones, how Ibrahim (Abraham) receives unexpected desert visitors, how Isa (Jesus) is questioned over that which others ascribe to him, how Musa (Moses) was met with unexpected rewards in exile, may Allah be pleased with them all. These ancient examples of profound adab before a breakthrough moment is what we are called on to emulate in this present day and age.

Of course such a khutba would not be complete without mentioning the last of the emissaries of Allah – after the tribulations of Taif, the death of his uncle and patron, his wife, his son and the persecution of his enemies, Prophet Muhammad – may Allah grant him His blessings and peace – was able to say “O Allah, I ask that you do not change your decree, but that you be gentle with it”. This is the maqam an-nubuwwa, the station of prophethood.